The aphid parasite (Aphidius colemani) is a slender, parasitic wasp that deposits its eggs inside aphids, causing them to swell and harden into a leathery, grey or brown colored mummy and die. New parasites soon emerge through a hole at the rear of the "mummy" (see image) and begin searching for healthy aphids to attack. An adult Aphidius lives for 2-3 weeks.
The aphid parasite finds aphid colonies from a long distance by "alarm signals" produced by an infested plant. It is also attracted to aphids by the honeydew that they produce. When a new aphid colony is discovered by this beneficial insect, aphids often secrete "alarm pheromones". Surrounding aphids start to panic, often let themselves fall off the plant, and usually die on the ground. |
